I guess it will take some time for Smith to really rejoin the team. As the sixth overall pick in April, he missed too many practices. In fact, he missed all of training camp in a contract impasse. And only two days after a contract was finalized, he unfortunately broke a bone in his left foot during a non-contact drill and had to stay out of field until this week. Missing practice means more than missing time. The rookie will have to spend a lot of time to learn all the things about the team’s game play scheme, almost starting from scratch.
According to Coach Marvin Lewis, Smith will be able to participate in some practice drills this week but won’t be able to play against the Chicago Bears on this Sunday, which was followed by a bye week. The coach is confident that Smith will be seen in his No. 71 Bengals jersey to play by Nov. 8.
